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NTSB Report

May 2, 2008 · Robinson R22 BETA II · N331MD

Prescott, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 2, 2008
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Prescott, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA II
Tail Number
N331MD
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA126

This was the certificated flight instructor's (CFI) first instructional flight with this new primary student. They did a preflight inspection of the helicopter together, and departed for the practice area. Once the student had a general understanding of the controls, they did an approach to a point on the ground that terminated in a hover. The CFI was letting the student manipulate the controls more and more during the hover. The CFI positioned the helicopter for a slight right quartering headwind to compensate for translating tendencies. During hover, the helicopter exhibited a pendulum oscillation that is common for new students learning to hover. During one of the right lateral oscillations, the helicopter unexpectedly lost altitude. The right skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. Within seconds, it caught on fire. Both pilots exited immediately. The CFI stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action that resulted in ground contact and a rollover.

Full Narrative

On May 1, 2008, about 1830 mountain standard time (MDT), a Robinson R22 Beta II, N331MD, collided with terrain near Prescott, Arizona. Guidance Helicopters, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) sustained serious injuries and the student pilot sustained minor injuries; the helicopter sustained substantial damage by a post crash fire. The local instructional flight departed Prescott about 1800. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The CFI submitted a written report. This was his first instructional flight with this student. They did a preflight inspection of the helicopter together, started up, and departed northwest for the practice area. Once the student had a general understanding of the controls, they did an approach to a tire that terminated in a hover. The CFI was letting the student manipulate the controls more and more during the hover. The CFI set up the helicopter for a slight right quartering headwind to compensate for translating tendencies. The CFI stated that during hover, the helicopter exhibited pendulum action that is common for new students learning to hover. During one of the right lateral oscillations, the helicopter unexpectedly lost altitude. The right skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled over onto its right side. Within seconds, it caught on fire. Both pilots exited immediately. The CFI stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The CFI stated that he might have prevented the accident by maintaining a greater skid height while giving instruction, and stopping the lateral and aft movement sooner. He also could have stayed on the controls longer giving the student more time to become familiar with them. He thought that lowering the collective immediately might have prevented the rollover.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 MST
Nearest Airport10nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA II
Tail NumberN331MD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class
Crew 2Age 32 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / -6 C
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data